10 Gage Shells

[Mike Shannon]

I just brought my first 10 gage Parker. I'm having trouble finding shells to fit and are safe.
Is the standard chamber 2 1/2 or 2 7/8.

I have several English 16 bore and buy Gamebore shells for them. Is there someone you guys use or brand that is safe. I have several Damascus guns and rifles and am very aware of pressure challenges.

Thanks

[Dave Miles]

You can buy Black Powder loads here:
http://www.republicmetallic.com/

Smokeless loads here: http://www.rstshells.com/rst_classic_shotshells_shotshells.htm

Or you can load your own low pressure loads.
Must 10 gauge have 2-7/8" chambers.

[Ted Huff]

Or get a set of Chamber Mates (http://www.chambermates.com/) and shoot cheap.

[Richard Flanders]

It sounds like you don't reload?? If you do, you can reload safe loads. If you search this forum you'll find lots of old posts on this subject. You should get the fairly recent Sherman Bell articles in Double Gun Journal for information on testing damascus and twist guns with proof loads so you know what they are capable of. A lot of us shoot damascus guns by choice and keep our loads and reloads to around 7000psi with a max of around 8000psi for the most part. Some heavy barreled guns will handle whatever you want to feed them. Stick around this forum and you'll get all the help and education you need to shoot that gun safely and don't ever hesitate to ask what you think might sound like a dumb question for we all feel that there is no such thing, aside from the question not asked.

[Harry Collins]

Mike,

One of my 10 gauge Parkers is a light one on a #2 frame and sports 30" Twist barrels. It is an 1881 Lifter. I took it to the Southern Side by Side shoot in Sanford NC a few years ago. I had some 10/12 Gauge Mate's and was going to shoot it that with low pressure 12 gauge shell. Morris Baker and Alex Papp the oweners of RST gave me a had full of their 10 gauge shells and with trepidation I used them and shot well. They are easy on the gun and shoulder and tough on clay's and game.

Harry

[Mike Shannon]

I reload a lot for Damascus BPE and Steel NE Rifle and heavy pistols.

Thanks everyone.

I haven't reloaded shotgun in years. The pressure data is great 7 and 8K.

My son has set up one of his presses for my 16 bore what is a good pressure for 16 Bore 2 1/2 Damascus?

[Dave Miles]

My son has set up one of his presses for my 16 bore what is a good pressure for 16 Bore 2 1/2 Damascus?

Try and keep it under 8000 psi.
If you need some load data, shoot me an e-mail, asphaltdave@comcast.net
I load mainly 2-1/2" Cheddite hulls.
I can give you the low pressure 10 gauge data also, if you want it.

Here's my go to load:
I use the Cheddite 2-1/2" hull
Win. 209 primer
20.5 grains SR-7625
SG-16 wad
1 oz. shot,with 6 fold crimp
1150 fps @ 7400 psi

For 7/8 oz load drop powder down to 19.5 grains
Will give you 1200 fps @ 7400 psi


The 1 oz. load fits better in a 2-9/16" hull, but you can get it into a 2-1/2" hull with a little pressure on the wad.

[John Mazza]

I wasn't sure I was going to like shooting 12 gauge shells in my 10 gauge EH Parker (with the Gagemate insert)...

Boy, was I wrong !!!!!!

They shoot so well !!!!! I can break clay birds with ease with RST 3/4 ounce 12 gauge loads !

Now, I admit that RST's 10 gauge loads work like a dream too, but those 12 gauge shells sure are nicer on the wallet !

If I were you, I would SERIOUSLY consider the $45.00 investment in the chambermates !

They even offer ones that will allow the use of 16 gauge shells in the 10 gauge - but these inserts are one piece affairs (ie: not "split") that may present some additional difficulties.

I couldn't be happier with RST shells & the 10-12 Gagemate inserts !

[David Hamilton]

You haven't mentioned what kind of 10 ga you have, lifter, hammer or hammerless. My lifter 10 ga has 2 5/8" chambers for which I can not buy shells. Many later 10 ga Parkers had 2 7/8" chambers for which you can buy loaded shells. David

[Bill Murphy]

I hate to be a party pooper, but you have to measure the chambers in a hundred year old gun to decide what the chamber length is. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

[David Hamilton]

Bill I wasn't invited to the party, but of course I did fail to mention the measurement factor. I just assumed that one would do so. But you are more than correct, you'ses right
ownn! David

[Harry Collins]

David,

I received about 500 3 1/2" Federal 10 gauge hulls to reload. I cut them to 2 7/8" and the crimp was just not as good as the RST hulls I was reloading plus some of the hulls would crumple. I checked RST's hulls and they are almost 2 3/4" open. I have retrimmed all hulls to the RST length and get much better crimps and fewer crumpled hulls. The point is that the RST shells are just a fraction longer than your 2 5/8" chamber.

Harry

[David Hamilton]

Harry, The chambers in my 1875 10ga end abruptly, no real forcing cone there just a rounded shelf. The chambers were made for the brass shells of the era. I have used federal 3 1/3' shells cut down and given a roll crimp which works well but can hardly be said to be time efficient. Still it better than watching TV! Thanks for the tip about RST shells I'll take a close look at them. David